FORMER Polish policeman Joseph Kraszynski, now living as an alcoholic on the streets of Flintshire, asked to be jailed to help him dry out.

But magistrates refused to send him to prison and gave him a conditional discharge with costs and compensation after he admitted shoplifting.

He said he had no job, no benefits and could not pay and through his solicitor Bethan Jones asked to be jailed in default.

But Flintshire magistrates refused and set a payment rate of £2.50 a week, saying he should either claim benefits or get a job.

Kraszynski, 53, of no fixed address, has lived at Flint and told the court via a Polish interpreter he had been living in a tent. It had been confiscated by police and he was now living on the streets.

He admitted two shoplifting charges from the Co-op at Flint – a sandwich and a bottle of wine on the second – and Miss Jones said he appreciated he would be going into custody.

He had previously been jailed for shoplifting and Miss Jones said he wanted to return to Altcourse Prison to help him sort out his alcohol reliance.

She said: “He would ask you to allow him to return to Altcourse where he is receiving the assistance he needs.”